Provisional ICJ ruling on Gaza a 'victory for international rule of law': South Africa

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) — South Africa on Friday welcomed provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the genocide case against Israel in the Hague, calling it a "decisive victory" for the international rule of law.

"Today marks a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people," South Africa's Foreign Ministry spokesman Clayson Monyela said in a statement after the ICJ ordered Israel to take "all measures within its power" to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza.

The court also ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip but stopped short of ordering a cease-fire.

Monyela expressed South Africa's gratitude for what he called the court's landmark decision determining that Israel's actions in Gaza plausibly constitute genocidal.

"For the implementation of the international rule of law, the decision is a momentous one. South Africa thanks the Court for its swift ruling," he said.

Monyela added that the UN Security Council would now be formally notified of the court's order, stressing that the veto power wielded by permanent members of the council must not be permitted to thwart international justice, "not least in light of the ever-worsening situation in Gaza brought about by Israel’s acts and omissions in violation of the Genocide Convention."

"South Africa sincerely hopes that Israel will not act to frustrate the application of this Order, as it has publicly threatened to do, but that it will instead act to comply with it fully, as it is bound to do."

On Dec. 29, South Africa filed a lawsuit with the top UN court, requesting an injunction against Israel on the grounds that the country's attacks on Gaza violate the Genocide Convention.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation in a statement on the International Court of Justice’s order.